Scottish Silver Tea Service with Continental Accessories

• Hallmarks - A mark stamped on articles of precious metals in Britain, since the 14th century, certifying their purity. It derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay (test the purity) and mark articles of gold and silver.
  
  The hallmark will consist of several marks, including the:
  
  - silver standard mark, indicating the purity of the metal. Sterling silver is .925 pure silver.
  
  - the city mark indicating the city in which it was assayed eg London, Birmingham, York etc.
  
  - the date mark, usually a letter of the alphabet in a particular font and case,
  
  - a duty mark, indicating whether duty had been paid to the crown, and only in use from 1784 to 1890
  
  The piece may include an additional mark, the maker's mark, although not forming part of the hallmark, will be located in the vicinity of the hallmarks.
  
  Sometimes silver plated items will bear faux hallmarks, often confusing those not familiar with silver markings.
• Sterling Silver - Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver, and is relatively soft and the addition of the very small amount of copper gives the metal enough strength and hardness to be worked into jewellery, decorative and household objects.
• Basket Weave / Basketweave - Basket weave is a decorative pattern that is often used in textiles, ceramics, furniture and other decorative arts. It is created by actual or simulated interweaving of horizontal and vertical threads or strips to create a pattern that resembles a woven basket.
  
  In textiles, basket weave can be created using various materials such as fabric, yarn, or ribbon. It is often used to create decorative details on clothing, upholstery, and other household items. Simulated basket weave can also be created using ceramic clay, timber or other materials, and it is often used to decorate pottery, tiles, furniture, silver and other decorative objects.
  
  Basket weave patterns can vary in complexity, from simple, straightforward designs to more intricate, elaborate patterns. The size and spacing of the interwoven threads or strips can also be varied to create different effects. Basket weave is often used to create a natural, rustic look and is often associated with traditional crafts and folk art.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• silver cutlery / flatware - German 197
• silver cutlery / flatware, settings - unboxed 1,425
• silver, country of manufacture
  • Austro-Hungarian and Austrian 201
  • Continental 513
  • German 583
• strainers, tea and other - silver items 131